Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: At its core, the essence of this quote revolves around the dichotomy between patience and action, encapsulating a profound truth about achieving success. The phrase conveys the idea that while patience has its virtues, it's often those who are proactive and diligent in their pursuits who ultimately reap the greatest rewards.
"Things may come to those who wait" suggests that there is a natural inclination to believe that patience alone will bring about desired outcomes. Waiting implies a passive stance, expecting that somehow, through the passage of time or fate, opportunities will materialize without active effort. This notion reflects a common sentiment that persistence and endurance are commendable virtues, which they indeed are. However, the quote swiftly redirects this notion with its second part: "but only the things left by those who hustle."
Here, the term "hustle" denotes vigorous, determined, and proactive action towards one's goals. It suggests a mindset of relentless pursuit, where individuals actively seek out opportunities, work tirelessly, and employ creativity and resourcefulness to achieve success. The use of the word "left" in the quote is particularly impactful—it implies that the spoils of success are not merely handed out to those who passively wait, but rather they are the remnants, the rewards, the fruits of the labor of those who are proactive and assertive.
This quote underscores the importance of initiative and perseverance in the journey towards success. It acknowledges that while patience is indeed valuable, it must be coupled with hustle—persistent and purposeful action. Success often favors those who are willing to step out of their comfort zones, take risks, and actively pursue their aspirations. In a competitive world where opportunities are abundant but rarely served on a silver platter, it's those who hustle, those who strive tirelessly despite setbacks and obstacles, who carve their path to achievement.
Furthermore, the quote speaks to the concept of seizing the moment and making the most out of every opportunity. It suggests that time is not passive; it's constantly moving, and within that movement lies the potential for growth and progress. Those who hustle understand this fundamental truth—they recognize that success is not solely dependent on luck or waiting for the perfect conditions to arise. Instead, it's about being proactive, adaptable, and resilient in the face of challenges.
In essence, this quote serves as a powerful reminder that while patience has its place, it's the combination of patience with hustle that truly propels individuals towards their goals. It encourages a mindset shift from passivity to activity, from waiting for things to happen to actively making things happen. Ultimately, it's a call to action—an invitation to embrace diligence, perseverance, and ingenuity as the driving forces behind personal and professional success.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle." is often attributed to Abraham Lincoln (Bio / Quotes). Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States and led the country through the Civil War, preserving the Union and ending slavery.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
